𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬

• 12 •

The next morning, in Aryan's study room, also his home office, Utkarsh decides to confront his boss.

"Boss, what's happening with you?" Utkarsh asks, his voice filled with concern.

Aryan raises an eyebrow, feigning calmness. "What could happen to me?"

Utkarsh isn't easily swayed. He continues, "Boss, before this, you never ever brought any girl to your house. I've known you for a long time, and you've met thousands of girls, but I know you never brought anyone home or kept in contact."

Aryan takes a moment before responding, "I know you're right, but she saved my life. It's different this time."

Utkarsh accepts the answer, although he's not entirely satisfied. He knows better than to question his boss, as he's a loyal confidant.

Just then, the clacking sound of heels enters the study room, and Aditi makes her entrance. She asks, "Mr. Roy, why did you call me urgently to your home? Is there an issue?"

Aryan replies, "Yes, but not an issue – it's about shopping."

"Shopping?" Aditi asks, clearly surprised.

Aryan nods. "Yes, I want you to take a girl shopping."

"A girl?" Aditi questions. Utkarsh decides to fill her in on the situation and explains everything that has happened.

"So she saved you?" Aditi asks informally, looking at Aryan. He gives her a disapproving look, and she chuckles. "Come on, Aryan, there's no one here except us."

Aryan sighs, relenting, "Yes, she did."

Just then, a knock on the door interrupts their conversation.

***
ARYA's POV:

I wake up lazily, murmuring, "Maa, you didn't wake me up early today," a sleepy smile crosses my face. Suddenly, I become aware of my surroundings and jolt awake, startled by the unfamiliar environment.

"What time is it? 10 am?"

"It's 10 AM" I mutter to myself as I pace nervously in my room. Biting my nails, I scolded myself, "Arya, how can you sleep this late?" My mind chimes in, advising me, "Let it go. It's your first day in this world, and you need to start working on your plan to make it come true."

Sitting down, I try to focus on my objectives. "So, first, I need to make Aryan meet his lover. Then, I need to find his father's killer." I think about who could be waiting for Aryan, his lover.

"Lover, lover" I mumble to myself, then correct myself, "So, he's the main male character, and he needs to meet his lover. And who can be his lover? The main female lead who was... if I remember correctly, Aditi. Yes, Aditi, his secretary. Let's start with work."

I head downstairs and meet the same lady who greeted me earlier last night. I exchange pleasantries with her and ask, "Is Mr. Roy gone outside?"

She replies, "No, he's in the study room" pointing upstairs. I nod, thanking her, and start making my way to the office.

Standing in front of the office door, I hesitate. Should I knock? I remind myself, "Arya, stop being nervous." I knock on the door

***

"Come in," a voice from inside.

I cautiously entered the room, feeling a bit awkward. My inner voice commented, 'Wow, why does everyone in here look at me like I'm an alien? Anyway, say hi.' So, I mustered up the courage and greeted them with an awkward, "Hi."

As I looked around, my inner voice chimed in again, "Wow, who's that lady? She must be Aditi." I nodded in agreement. But then, my inner voice continued its commentary, 'Wow, she's so pretty, a perfect lady. Look at her long, silky hair and her flawless face. I've never seen such beauty before.' My better side reminded me, 'Stop ogling over her and close your mouth!' Realizing the situation, I immediately shut my mouth and turned my attention to Aryan.

Aryan finally broke the silence, "If you stop staring at us weirdly, could you say something?" I snapped out of my daze and replied, "Oh, yeah."

I turned my attention towards Aditi and said, "You must be Miss Aditi, Mr. Roy's lover. You two look so good together, a match made in heaven."

My comment left everyone in the room surprised, and Aditi's face turned red. Aryan quickly clarified, "Little MISS, there's nothing between us. She's not my lover; we're old friends."

My inner thoughts couldn't resist but comment, "Huh, old friends, they always say that. We'll see." Aryan continued, "And how did you know her name?"

I tried to play it cool and replied, "Oh, it's simple. I'm a fan, and I know about your secretary's name from the news and all. You know, there's this concept of demon bosses falling for their pretty secretaries, so I thought..." I laughed, trying to lighten the situation, but Aryan quickly shut that idea down. "There's nothing like that. Stop thinking."

As he spoke, I noticed Aditi's expression saddened, and my inner voice scolded me, "Stupid fellow, how could he say something so harsh in front of such a pretty lady?" I nodded as if agreeing with his statement

Despite the serious conversation, I couldn't resist asking, "Are you single?" His bodyguard pointed to him and clarified, "You mean me?"

I agreed, "Yes, you." My brain quickly analyzed the situation, "He's handsome and tough, hot too. I need to live here, and while I can't stay single here forever like in the real world, it's better to be surrounded by so many handsome people."

He looked in the Aryan's direction and said, "Yes."

I grinned and said, "That's perfect then" and began heading towards my room. But Aryan stopped me, saying, "We need to talk to you."

I turned back and asked, "Yes, speak." He began, "So, you saved my life. Tell me, how much money do you want in return for saving my life?"

I replied, "Uh, I don't need your money!"

(To be honest, if someone in the real world had offered me money, I probably would have taken it. But what's the use of money if I go back to the real world with nothing? It's better to look like a 'High moral person' or a saint.)

Aryan questioned, "Then what?"

I replied, "I just happened to save your life, that's it. And if you want to help me, then let me stay here for some time. Honestly, I have nowhere else to go." With that, I went back to my new room.